topic Re: Here's some differences between the Online version and th... in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

What are the differences between Turbotax Online and TurboTax Desktop?

Marcus-Xpert — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 15:18:55 GMT

What are the differences between Turbotax Online and TurboTax Desktop? Why would I choose TTO over TTD? Why would I chose TTD over TTO?

Here's some differences between the Online version and th...

VolvoGirl — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 15:18:57 GMT

Here's some differences between the Online version and the Desktop CD/Download program.

Online web version is only good for 1 return, federal and state are separate charges,  It is free to start, you pay when you file or if you want to print.  Price is determined at the time you pay.  You can pay anytime like if you want to lock in an early discounted price. You can not see the forms until you pay and print them out.   Online versions do not have the same forms so you may need to use a higher version to enter something.   Online returns are stored online and after Oct each year you might not have access to it.  So you should save and download both  the .tax and .pdf files each year to your computer.
You can check out Online here,   https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/

The Desktop CD/Download program can do unlimited returns and you can efile 5 federal for free and Deluxe and above comes with 1 free state program download to prepare unlimited state returns but each state return (including the first one) is 19.99 (goes up to 24.99 in March) to efile or you can print and mail it for free.  You can see and enter directly into the actual forms.  Desktop has a What-If worksheet.  Your return is kept on your own computer so you will always have access to it in the future like if you need a copy or need to amend it.  And other features.  Oh, and you can use a lower version because all the Desktop programs have all the same forms.
You can see the Desktop CD/Download programs here, https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/

If you buy the CD at the store the Basic version does not include the state.  And Deluxe is available both with and without the state.  Because some states don't have an income tax.  So check the box carefully.  Look around for sales at stores.  You can see the Desktop versions here, https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/

I would buy at Costco or Amazon or wherever you can get the best price.  If you want to use the Desktop program this year we can tell you how to get your 2016 return from Online to transfer into the Desktop program so post back.

Re: Here's some differences between the Online version and th...

nancidalzell — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 02:22:21 GMT

thank you. from what I've researched, staying with the CD is best for many reasons, including all you reference. the concern is new computer has no drive, so guessing a portable CD DRIVE is answer. Any suggestions on what brand to purchase?

Re: Here's some differences between the Online version and th...

Daoud — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 18:12:50 GMT

How can I tell which version I bought? I'm not sure if I have business online or business download.

Re: Here's some differences between the Online version and th...

DeanM15 — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 18:25:19 GMT

TurboTax Business (for S-Corps, Partnerships, Trusts, and Estates) and TurboTax Home and Business are both download/cd products. TurboTax Self Employed is the Online version of Home and Business.

If you are using a browser to open your TurboTax program then you are using an online product. If you are opening an application on your computer then you are using a download/cd product. If your program has Forms Mode, it is download/cd. If it does not have Forms Mode it is Online.

Re: Here's some differences between the Online version and th...

Harry14 — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 23:04:28 GMT

Online refers to downloading from the web without purchasing a CD/DVD at, for example, Costco, Sam's, Office Depot, etc. Download refers to having purchased a CD/DVD version from Costco, Sam's, Office Depot or any other locations where they are sold; inserting the DVD into your computer and downloading from the DVD.

Re: Here's some differences between the Online version and th...

AnnetteB6 — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 03:06:40 GMT

TurboTax Online is a web-based program that is not installed on your computer.

TurboTax CD/downloaded versions are stand-alone programs installed on your computer. The installation may be done either by purchasing an actual CD from a brick and mortar store or by purchasing a 'download' directly from TurboTax (without an actual CD).

One important difference between the two options is that you can view all the tax forms included in your return when you use the CD/downloaded version versus the online version. With TurboTax Online, you can only preview your Form 1040 prior to paying the TurboTax fees.

Re: Here's some differences between the Online version and th...

genek54 — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 18:29:25 GMT

The online products offer the feature for their tax experts to review the returns. Is the same feature offered by the desktop version?

Re: Here's some differences between the Online version and th...

VolvoGirl — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 18:34:50 GMT

No. Only for the Online versions.

Re: What are the differences between Turbotax Online and TurboTax Desktop?

ScruffyCurmudgeon — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 16:44:58 GMT

Most of the so-called "Champs" (formerly known as "SuperUsers") - none of whom are Intuit Employees - recommend that for most tax returns that are more than "simple" the Taxpayer will benefit in ease of navigating the tax program using Desktop. A truly major and valuable feature of the desktop program is the ability to switch to a view of the tax forms themselves as they are filled in and calculations are made.

PRICING of Desktop Software for both Personal TurboTax (Form 1040) and for Business (Forms 1065, 1120, and 1041) are in the graphic - sold at these prices at Costco and for the period of 12/25/2020 - 01/24/2021
NOTE:

The Desktop products all provide FREE eFiling of Form 1040 but state eFile costs an additional $20 (at this time). The "Federal Only" Personal does not include a state program.
Personal TurboTax Desktop is sold in versions for Windows/10 PC or MAC - note the separate packaging. REPEAT: Windows/7 NOT SUPPORTED! (Netframe related!)

The "Business" program does not include a state module - that is an additional $50 and eFile of state an additional $20. "Business" only works on PC Windows/10.Desktop Program 2020 @ Costco

Feel free to "thumbs up" - and yes there are other benefits to the desktop program - but Online offering is great for folks who have only one filing and a filing that is pretty simple; and none of this discusses the various "free" versions as they are announced by Intuit.

Re: Here's some differences between the Online version and th...

Mike9241 — Fri, 25 Dec 2020 20:58:42 GMT

online allows only one return per a/c. desktop allows doing as many what-if returns as you like. just be careful to e-file only the correct one. also, it allows free federal e-filing of returns for up to 5 taxpayers. with deluxe one state is free. there is a fee for state e-filing except for New York

Re: Here's some differences between the Online version and th...

NCperson — Fri, 25 Dec 2020 21:08:21 GMT

also, hate to state the obvious, you also need a desktop / laptop for the download version; there are many today that just have their smartphones and are dependent on the online version.

frankly, I've never understood why someone who has a desktop / laptop would go with the online version.

Re: Here's some differences between the Online version and th...

srk3 — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 23:05:43 GMT

Going with the online version in 2020 because I'm on Win7 and don't want Win10.

Re: Here's some differences between the Online version and th...

VolvoGirl — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 23:15:28 GMT

@srk3 Do you need any help switching to Online? Here's some info....

If you used the Desktop program last year here’s How to transfer into the Online version. You need to have the prior year .taxyyyy file on your computer. Expand the link if you used the CD/download last year........

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/how-do-i-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-turbotax-online/00/25953

Do you have the .tax2019 file? If you can't find it, Here's an idea. Do you still have 2019 installed? Try opening 2019 program and see if you can get your 2019 return to show up in it. Go to FILE - OPEN. Then save it again with a name and place you can find. Go to File - Save As.

If you used the Desktop program before you may not like the online version. It has less features and no Forms Mode. You can only do 1 return. Your return is only saved online so be sure to save both the .tax2020 data file and the pdf file to your computer when you are done. In case you need to amend in the future or if you need a copy to get a loan or something. You might not be able to access your online return when you need a copy.

Re: Here's some differences between the Online version and th...

Paulzco — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 22:16:22 GMT

Do NOT use the online version if you can help it if you situation is at all complex. I tried it first and it only downloaded a very limited amount of information gleaned from a pdf of last year's return whereas the desktop version imports all of your information from the previous year so you don't have to waste time re-entering lots of info.

Re: What are the differences between Turbotax Online and TurboTax Desktop?

MEL MANDICH — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 16:45:31 GMT

WARNING: Turbotax desktop does not allow seamless integration with Turbotax.com. I have always used .com version, tried desktop for the first time this year. The desktop version is riddled with non-intuitive errors that should not be occurring. Saving tax files produces error codes, that can only be resolved by visiting online forums to resolve. Importing historical data from TT.com is a non starter (something to do with the way TT.com saves the file--really?). e-filing this year was a nightmare. I followed all the steps, efiled (paid $25 for the state efiling), only to have my forms rejected. After the first 2 attempts, I contacted TT CS and was advised that the IRS was rejecting "alot of TT desktop tax forms" due to AGI discrepancy. My AGI info was lifted directly from my 2019 TT.com forms, so where was the discrepancy, I asked? I was advised to resubmitt forms. I did, 3x more, then called TTCS again; was told that the IRS only allows one submission. If that first submission is rejected, it auto-rejects any follow up attempts. NIGHTMARE. And, after speaking with a TTCS rep for over 40 mins, I was placed on mute, and disconnected. I had asked for a refund on the $25 fee.

After printing out files, I closely examined some documents; I discovered that some forms were printed with 2019 in/of 2020. Wow. Really. Last year was a disaster for everyone; do not purchase this desktop version. It will further extend that feeling of helplessness.

Re: What are the differences between Turbotax Online and TurboTax Desktop?

VolvoGirl — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 16:55:30 GMT

I think you got some bad information. The Desktop program should be a lot easier to use. Were you able to transfer from you 2019 Online return? We could have told you how.

Then it sounds like you need to update the program. The Desktop program needs to be updated frequently. Updates usually come out each Thursday. If your program is not automatically updating each time to launch it (or are you leaving it open?) you need to go up to Online-Check for Updates. Are you on Windows or Mac?

And be sure to save your tax return frequently too. Go to File-Save. It saves it as a data file ending in .tax2020 usually in your Documents. Then when you are done also save it as a PDF file.

Then for your AGI reject. When did you file 2019? If it was late in the year or you mailed it, try putting in 0 (zero) for the AGI. And see, https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/rejections/help/what-if-i-entered-the-correct-agi-and-i-m-still-getting-an-e-file-reject/00/27031

How to correct the AGI
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/agi/help/where-do-i-correct-my-agi-in-turbotax-online/00/26311

Re: What are the differences between Turbotax Online and TurboTax Desktop?

MEL MANDICH — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 22:10:39 GMT

Actually, I did all of the steps that you suggest below.

I started by first updating the software, then did the file save step as I proceeded with entry.

AGI: I filed early April '20, and entered the correct info.

So, I did my research, but still had error messages and issues with sending files.

If I got bad info, then folks who are less adept at this software should avoid using the desktop version AT ALL COSTS.

Not worth the hassle; will use TT online next year to avoid this mess.

Re: What are the differences between Turbotax Online and TurboTax Desktop?

mak313 — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 12:13:15 GMT

VolvoGirl, can you explain how to import a 2019 online return into the 2020 CD/download version? I've always used the online version (mainly because I didn't know there was a difference), but would like to try the download version this year.

Re: What are the differences between Turbotax Online and TurboTax Desktop?

VolvoGirl — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 14:58:08 GMT

If you used the online version last year and need to transfer your info to this year's Desktop version there are 2 ways depending on what you have.

1. If you saved the actual .tax2019 file (not just the pdf file) to your computer before online was shut down in Oct. then start a new return and the very first thing you do is Transfer from .tax file. You can only transfer at the very beginning. You should be able to download the .tax2019 file from online, like if you were going to amend.

2. If you didn't save the .tax file to your computer or lost it, there is a way to do it by starting a 2020 return in the Online version, transfer to that and then continue in the desktop version. You won't have to pay for Online.

First transfer into the Online version
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/how-do-i-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-turbotax-online/00/25953

Then to switch to the Desktop program
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-online-to-the-turbotax-software/00/26129

How to Transfer into the Windows Desktop program
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/transfer-last-year-s-return-to-turbotax-for-windows/00/26145

How to Transfer into the Mac Desktop program
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-data-file/help/how-do-i-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-the-turbotax-for-mac-software/00/26062